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Definition of liberalnext
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liberal

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective liberal contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of liberal are bountiful, generous, and munificent. While all these words mean "giving or given freely and unstintingly," liberal suggests openhandedness in the giver and largeness in the thing or amount given.

a teacher liberal with her praise

When could bountiful be used to replace liberal?

The words bountiful and liberal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bountiful suggests lavish, unremitting giving or providing.

children spoiled by bountiful presents

When is generous a more appropriate choice than liberal?

The synonyms generous and liberal are sometimes interchangeable, but generous stresses warmhearted readiness to give more than size or importance of the gift.

a generous offer of help

In what contexts can munificent take the place of liberal?

While the synonyms munificent and liberal are close in meaning, munificent suggests a scale of giving appropriate to lords or princes.

a munificent foundation grant

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of liberal
Adjective
The diversification efforts in the Gulf Arab monarchies are far from perfect, and these states are not liberal democracies. Daniel Benaim, Time, 18 May 2026 Concha praised Maher for speaking out and criticizing anti-Israel rhetoric and the Democratic Party’s response to antisemitism, despite Maher addressing a largely liberal audience. Kiara Moore, The Washington Examiner, 18 May 2026
Noun
Merz is a conservative Atlanticist and unapologetic economic liberal. Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026 Though Reiner, a lifelong liberal, disagreed with Kirk's conservative beliefs, the filmmaker's remarks about the incident emphasized the importance of nonviolence. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for liberal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liberal
Adjective
  • Like some progressive consensus at the center, but that's not there.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 18 May 2026
  • But California pushes its progressive tax system to the extreme.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • Clarify the goal, assign the next step, and keep the tone generous.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
  • For families Aside from generous room and suite sizes, there are the simple things like kids menus at the restaurants and a cute farm animal stuffie for children to select at check-in.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • Those charitable events, Peter Baker said, brought his business into people’s hands.
    Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
  • Eco effort Ocean Casino Resort is committed to investing in positive environmental change through beach cleanups, charitable contributions, and advocacy including a partnership with an organic farm addressing food insecurity, soil regeneration, and community inclusiveness in Atlantic City.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • The last pope, Francis, could be filed away by American conservatives as an anti-American Latin American leftist, but Leo can’t.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 2 May 2026
  • Jeremy Corbyn, the septuagenarian British leftist, who had already arrived in Havana by plane, met with high-ranking Communist Party officials in the presidential palace.
    Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Inspired by the design of classic tuxedo shirts, this modern twist has a cropped fit, pintucked front details, and button cuffs.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026
  • Occupying four townhouses, its two-year refurbishment by award-winning architects Holland Harvey and interior designers Studio Est and Studio Mica has created something warm and true to its heritage yet modern, nature-focused and committed to social impact.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • Ocean-front suites and plentiful alcohol Prosecutors asked Stapp about several high-dollar union conferences and meetings.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2026
  • England might not be known for plentiful sunny days, but Cornwall—the rugged peninsula on the country's southwestern tip—is actually home some of the best beaches in Europe.
    Ali Pantony, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • The overflow doctor had benevolent eyes and doughy cheeks, like fresh loaves of bread.
    Nami Mun, The Atlantic, 16 May 2026
  • That’s particularly noteworthy with sloths, with faces configured in a permanently benevolent expression.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • Hitting as high as 99 mph on the radar gun, the 6-foot-9 lefty struck out the side in the fourth and the fifth.
    Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 19 May 2026
  • The club does not know when Fried will return, but the lefty said surgery is not being considered.
    Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 16 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Liberal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liberal. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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